A former Nigerian government minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been charged in London for allegedly accepting bribes during her time in office and using the funds to finance extravagant private jets and luxury vacations.
Aged 63, Alison-Madueke, who also made history as the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is accused of accepting various perks, including private jet trips, luxury holidays, and cash, to support a lavish lifestyle in the British capital.
During her tenure as a prominent figure in the Nigerian government from 2010 to 2015, the National Crime Agency (NCA) suspects that Alison-Madueke received bribes while serving as the Minister for Petroleum Resources.
These bribes are believed to have been given in exchange for granting multi-million pound oil and gas contracts.
The allegations further indicate that she engaged in substantial spending, including purchasing items from prestigious designer stores such as Cartier and Louis Vuitton, after benefiting from a sum of at least £100,000 in cash.
She also allegedly enjoyed privileges like chauffeur-driven cars and the use of multiple properties in London.
Additional accusations against Alison-Madueke involve accepting furniture, property renovation services, staffing for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer establishments.
Andy Kelly, the Head of the NCA’s International Corruption Unit (ICU), remarked that these charges represent a significant milestone in a comprehensive and intricate international investigation.
He emphasized that bribery, as a form of corruption, can contribute to serious criminal activities and have detrimental effects on developing nations.
The NCA remains committed to collaborating with both local and foreign partners to combat this threat.
Assets worth millions of pounds, believed to be linked to the alleged offenses, have already been frozen as part of the ongoing investigation.
Alison-Madueke, who resides in St John’s Wood, London, denies the charges brought against her.
She is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 2 October.